The Katsina State Government has released the sum of N18.5 million to provide sponsorship to intending Christian pilgrims that are from Katsina to Jerusalem, katsinapost.com.ng learnt from Daily Trust.

This was disclosed to newsmen in Daura on Friday, the 23rd of January by Alhaji Mohammed Lawal, the state’s Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs when he led officials of the ministry to deliver burial implements to the local government council.

Alhaji Muhammad Lawal while delivering his speech also stressed that the Executive Governor of the state, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari is always emphasising on the importance of inter religious harmony which would ultimately bring unity and brotherhood.

Also, the Permanent Secretary noted that the ministry last year spent another N350 million in payment of allowances of Islamic school teachers and the registered imams of Friday mosques across the 34 local government areas in thestate.

The permanent secretary lauded the efforts of Gov. Bello Masari’s administration on probity and accountability, stressing that “we never had it so good.’’

He described Masari as God fearing leader, who does not discriminate against religion, tribe or creed, adding that “he accommodates all shades of good opinionsand ideasaimed at bringing progressin the state.’’

“The ministry has resolvedthousands of domestic, religious and marital disputes. “We sponsored their five days orientation course before their departure to Jerusalem,” he said.

Alhaji Samaila Mohammed, the Director of Finance and Supply in the ministry, commended Gov. Aminu Masari for being accessible on every issue that has to do with the ministry.

He said the ministry had spent N5.6 million to procure the burial implements for onwarddistribution across the 34 local government areas in the state